PJ's Picks

In spite of my initial wary, learning about and practicing yoga changed my life in such a good way. Among other things, I discovered the fine art of reveling in the present moment as well as the fact that I could go past self-imposed limitations by taking it one tiny "yes you can!" increments at a time (Phoenix Rising style is especially helpful for this). While I still can't put my leg behind my head or twist myself into a pretzel like some yoga gurus, yoga offers an in-road to self-discipline and self-mastery - body, mind, and spirit. Victoria Moran, best-selling author and national speaker, aptly calls journaling, "the yoga of the pen." Here, she offers a wonderful way to note your inner and outer experiences and more in this unique journaling resource.

Love and Power Journal: A Workbook for the Fine Art of Living
Lynn Andrews
www.lynnandrews.com

I have been a fan of best-selling author and teacher Lynn Andrews' creative works from the very first words of hers I read and I embrace her teaching to the day. This lovely resource takes readers to new heights. Love and Power Journal includes weekly writing exercises to help you on your path to self-discovery and personal power-building.

A Year in the Life: Journaling for Self-Discovery Keeping a Journal You Love
Sheila Bender
www.writersdigest.com or www.sheilabender.com

These are two "wow" books of journaling, in my humble opinion. Filled with numerous exercises, instruction, examples, resources, and insights, you'll find yourself a seasoned explorer in no time at all. Sheila is an inspiration point! Immerse yourself.

A Garden of Thoughts: My Affirmation Journal
Louise L. Hay
www.hayhouse.com

Best-selling author and metaphysical teacher/lecturer Louise Hay has been a tremendous force for positive growth and change in millions of lives, including my own. A Garden of Thoughts is a beautiful and cherished little book "to fill with your treasured thoughts and new ideas." "Affirmations are really anything that we say or think," Louise explains. "Our thoughts create our feelings, beliefs, and experiences. Too often they are negative. We say, "I don't want this in my life," or "I don't want to be sick anymore," or "I hate my job." If we want to change or manifest something in our lives, we must state what we do want. We must affirm that we are willing to see ourselves or our lives in a different perspective. Thus, we can change our experiences by first changing our thoughts."

Among the affirmations offered for exploration: "I claim my own power, and I lovingly create my own reality," "I lovingly tend the garden of my mind. I pull the negative weeds and make room for positive affirmations to grow," and "The last thing I do before I drift off to sleep is to express gratitude for every experience I have had during the day."